2017 IAAF World Championship marathons (71 men, 78 women filmed at ~8.5, 19, 29.5 and 40 km): rearfoot striking was the most common pattern at every point (never below 54% of men or 67% of women), it did not separate top from bottom halves of the men's field, and more than 75% of athletes kept the same pattern across laps
Foot strike of every analysed finisher was recorded at four points of the men's and women's marathons and classed as rearfoot (RFS) or non-rearfoot (NRFS: midfoot + forefoot); proportions were compared by sex, by finishing half and by lap.
Participants
n=71 men and n=78 women, 2017 IAAF World Championships marathons.
Protocol
120-Hz video at ~8.5, 19, 29.5 and 40 km ("Laps 1-4"); RFS vs NRFS.
Key Results
RFS was the most common pattern, never less than 54% of men or 67% of women at any distance; forefoot striking was rare.
No sex differences in proportions; no difference between the top and bottom 50% of men finishers, nor between women during Laps 1 and 2.
A greater proportion of the top 50% of women maintained NRFS than of the bottom 50%.
The share of RFS rose with distance in the men's race; more than 75% of athletes kept a consistent pattern across laps (79 RFS, 36 NRFS).
The top four men were RFS; authors: no clear advantage to NRFS in the marathon, and keeping one's pattern reflects individual preference.
Practical Application
It is normal for an elite marathoner to land on the heel or not; the heel-strikers here included the top four men. Inference: landing style is not a target in itself.
Not from this paper; the base's own practice: if a runner wants a lighter landing, adjust step rate rather than prescribe a strike pattern (REF-620).
Limitations
Four filming points in one championship; heat, course and pacing of that race not described in the abstract.
Classification from 120-Hz video; no economy, kinetics or injury outcomes.
Elite finishers only; does not transfer directly to recreational runners.
How this entry was checked and changed
Why this level
cross-sectional race video at a world championship; descriptive, no economy or injury data